Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Fontenot.
Hi Sam, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I been tattooing for 17yrs I started my journey in Tyler, TX as an apprentice to three tattooers in one shop. It was the best I could hope for to learn under three artist who had varied styles. Through the years, I bounced around the US a bit from California to Tennessee and back to Tyler. I opened a shop, then closed it due to layoffs and housing crisis, then 6 years ago opened a small private shop with a friend and former apprentice Micah Lewis ( whose story you have heard ); we worked together for two years and found our paths growing in different but awesome directions at which point I opened my private studio and began to develop a more focused style and direction. Now two years later, I am working with an apprentice who is at the end of his journey and inspired me to expand my private studio a bit and begin building a soon-to-be-announced community and art-driven artist collection. Tattooing saved my life and is my passion. In the next few years, I plan to be traveling the us on my motorcycle guest spotting in shops, and doing conventions so I can learn and develop friendships with other driven artist like me around the nation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like all careers, tattooing has been filled with a lot of bumps. Our industry is kinda on a new path away from the pirate-driven outlaw culture of the past into a more health and social awakening. I have seen sexism, racism, and just plain egos that have made me doubt my passion many times, but then I would meet amazing people with love and admiration for everyone that would remind me that we are in flux and that I need to stay doing what I do so my clients get amazing experiences in that tattoo chair without fear of harassment or denial of service.. I try to be a good example to young tattooers and also give those tattooers the chance they may not have gotten in the past.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Ok so this question is awesome since over the past two years, it has grown and changed. I started my tattoo career in a time when you learned it all and then moved into doing mostly American traditional tattooing in bright colors and bold lines. But as with all artist, I have morphed my style into something my own. I do mostly blackwork now that is more focused on illustrative work with some realistic vibes mixed with bold surreal elements. I also have been working with clients on widespread geometric design and blackout elements too. I would say what sets me apart is the way I work with clients’ ideas to give them something out of the box while still vibing with their ideas and elements.
What makes you happy?
The things that make me happy have become very simple. Artwork (both tattooing and painting) which just fills me need to create and to grow and consistently push forward Motorcycle travel has become a passion, too, as I move more into this; I love the camping and just connection to the road and adventures to be had there.
And lastly, friendships and community
As someone who struggles with anxiety in crowds and with new people, this one is challenging sometimes, but the rewards are awesome to have those you can call on and also be there for is amazing
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Samthetattooer.com
- Instagram: @samthetattooer
